Every year, the nation's emergency rooms handle 136.3 million visits. Many of these visits could be handled by a primary care physician or other healthcare professional outside of the hospital. People who do not have insurance often use the emergency room as their only source of medical care. Other people with chronic conditions simply have to visit the emergency room frequently due to sudden and severe flair ups. If you are someone who needs such care, consider using a community paramedic or EMT for some of your medical needs.

Community Paramedic

A paramedic traditionally provides emergency care on the scene and then transports a patient to the hospital if necessary. Some communities have expanded their role to include providing health care services at hospitals, clinics, and homes outside of an emergency situation. These professionals often receive additional training so that they can offer this expanded level of care. These community paramedics have the potential to lower the number of emergency room trips and admittances.

Cost

The cost of an emergency room visit can be astronomical, with many procedures costing between $750 - $73,000. Even with insurance coverage, your portion of this bill can be significant. If you do not have insurance, much of the bill may never be paid, contributing to a higher cost for medical services in your area. When a community paramedic goes to the homes of those with chronic conditions or other problems that are not truly an emergency, it lowers the cost of service for everyone. These visits can stop the revolving door of emergency room visits for those with asthma, diabetes, or heart disease by providing necessary care in the home.

Patient Benefits

In addition to cutting costs, this program means that patients benefit from excellent follow-up care after surgery. The patient's physician can write up orders for an evaluation. The paramedic can then perform the evaluation and write a report for the doctor. This method identifies possible problems without the patient having to go into the office, an often stressful experience when you are physically weak. This in-home care removes stress from the patient and the healthcare system.

If you suffer from a chronic condition or are simply suffering from an illness that requires attention, but doesn't warrant an emergency room visit, consider using a community paramedic. You can receive the care you need in your home while cutting costs. Also, they can help you manage your conditions so that your health stabilizes. Community paramedic programs can improve the quality of your life. To learn more, speak with a business like Cornerstone Hospice and Palliative Care.

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About Me

When my youngest son was born, he was diagnosed with a seizure disorder. I had never seen seizures before, let alone in someone so tiny. I spent hours every day reading and researching the triggers and management techniques for seizures in the hopes of helping him to manage his symptoms. I was surprised at how little real-life information was out there. That's when I knew that I had to create this site. My goal with this blog is to help others understand what it's like to manage seizures in an infant and how it changes as they get older. I hope it helps you if you're facing the same struggles with your child or a loved one.